James Crist - Minneapolis, MN
Attorney at Steinhagen, Crist, Wehrly & Kufus PLLP
Probate Litigation Lawyers in Minneapolis, MN
5001 Chowen Avenue S. Minneapolis, MN 55410
- Free Consultation
Minneapolis Probate Litigation Lawyer
Updated: 02/28/2026
Areas of Practice
- Probate Litigation
Attorney Information
Overview
Jim Crist tried contested probate cases for almost 40 years. As of 2025, he is retired from the day-to-day practice of law. While he is no longer a firm partner, he maintains his firm affiliation in an “of Counsel” role. In his retirement, Jim continues to mediate contested probate cases for other attorneys and is a Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. Jim Crist is a practical, likeable, probate mediator.
Call Jim for help mediating your case at 612-554-9951 or email at jcrist@steinhagen-crist.com
Mediation Experience. Over the last 20 years, Jim Crist has been selected by more than 300 attorneys to mediate their contested probate matters including:
- Will Contests
- Estate Administration Disputes
- Trust Disputes
- Guardianship/Conservatorship Disputes
- Power of Attorney and Healthcare Directive Disputes
- Cabin ownership disputes
- Family Financial Squabbles
Jim mediates only probate law matters. After years of probate law practice and hundreds of contested cases, Jim understands the legal and practical issues often found in probate disputes. He has learned what motivates people to resolve these sensitive family matters and is committed to helping attorneys creatively explore all settlement possibilities.
Probate Mediation offers attorneys and their clients the opportunity to:
- Reach a thoughtful binding end to expensive litigation
- Create unique settlement solutions not possible through a trial
- Craft a private resolution of disputes
- Frankly discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your case
Awards and Honors
Honors
- AV Rated Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell
- Super Lawyer
Education
-
Legal Education
-
William Mitchell College of Law,
St. Paul,
Minnesota, 1985
J.D.
Law Review: William Mitchell Law Review
-
William Mitchell College of Law,
St. Paul,
Minnesota, 1985
-
Non Legal Education
-
University of Montana,
Missoula,
Montana, 1982
B.S.
-
University of Montana,
Missoula,
Montana, 1982
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Of Counsel
Classes and Seminars
-
Mediating Probate Disputes, Hennepin Lawyer. Teaching Materials on Estate Planning, Fourth Edition, Beyer 2013
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Guardianship and Conservatorship Mediation, Hennepin Lawyer, March 2010
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Ten Ways to Limit Conservator Liability: Vol. 9(3) July 1998, MAGiC Journal
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Marriage Dissolution and the Conservatee: Vol. 8(3) August 1997, MAGiC Journal
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Preparing for Probate Mediation, Hennepin Lawyer 2015
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The Successful Probate Mediation, MSBA Probate & Trust Newsletter 2019
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Mediating Elder Law Issues, MSBA- ADR Institute 2009
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Elder Law Mediation, Minnesota Elder Law Institute 2011
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The Mediator’s Perspective, MN Probate & Trust Law Conf. 2017
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Settling Probate Matters in Mediation MSBA ADR Institute 2017
- Guardianship/Conservatorship Mediation, Elder Law Institute 2019
Pro Bono Activities
- Senior Community Services, Past President
- Edina Athletic Boosters Club, Past President
- N.C. Little Hospice, Edina, MN, Past Board Member
Representative Cases
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In re Conservatorship of Begin, Minn. App. (2010)
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In re Conservatorship of James W. Kleven, Minn. App. (2008)
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In re Conservatorship of Douglas, Minn. App. (2004)
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In re Conservatorship of Brady, 607 N.W.2d 781 (2000)
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In re Estate of Evanoff, Minn. App. (1998)
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In re Conservatorship of Christopher, Minn. App. (1997)
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In re Conservatorship of Foster, 547 N.W.2d 81 (1996)
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In re Conservatorship of Dawson, 427 N.W.2d 15 (1993)
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Wise v. Bix, 434 N.W.2d 502 (1989)
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota, 1985
Other Affiliations
- Hennepin County Bar Association
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Minnesota Association of Guardianship and Conservatorship (MAGiC)
Contact
5001 Chowen Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Phone: 612-922-2260
Email: Send a message
Website: https://www.steinhagen-crist.com
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